Help with some gear decisions...

Pycroft
Pycroft Posts: 1,961
edited June 2010 in Electronics
Hi all...

For those that have been following my vinyl thread, I've found some gear local that I'd love comments on. My current setup is found in my sig, and is up to date. Here is what I found:

Accuphase P-300 amp
Accuphase C-200 preamp
Dual 1229 turntable

I am borrowing a turntable from George right now, and have tried it out now. I've read some on the Dual, and seems like a nice entry level table. Any comments on it? Also, will the accuphase gear be superior to the Carver amp and my preamp (For vinyl I'm using My Onkyo Integra P-304). I believe the Accuphase amp is rated at 150 wpc, which is less power than the Carver. I know Accuphase is highly regarded, and would probably be nice to have a matching amp/preamp....

Thoughts?

Thanks :)

James
2 Channel/HT:
Sony SS-M9 P's (ES version)
Sony SS-M1CN Center Channel
Polk RT800 Surround Speakers
Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono Amplifiers
TAD 150 Signature Tube Preamp
Harman Kardon HK354
Sony SACD Player
Post edited by Pycroft on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Pycroft
    Pycroft Posts: 1,961
    edited June 2010
    Also...any comments on a price to offer for this gear? The guy is asking for 'best offer'.

    Thanks,

    James
    2 Channel/HT:
    Sony SS-M9 P's (ES version)
    Sony SS-M1CN Center Channel
    Polk RT800 Surround Speakers
    Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono Amplifiers
    TAD 150 Signature Tube Preamp
    Harman Kardon HK354
    Sony SACD Player
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,492
    edited June 2010
    I'll go with the standard answer that no on wants to hear. Buy the Accuphase gear and compare it to what you have and sell whichever one you like least. This is the tried and true method of rotating gear and the *only* way to know for sure.

    Just my .02c

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | Roon Nucleus 1 w/LPS - Tubes add soul!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 7,735
    edited June 2010
    Accuphase is typically very high end stuff, but that gear is very old (early 70's) and if it has never been serviced/restored, it might need significant $$ to get them into something that I would use daily. Just beware of that.

    Additionally, that is very early solid state stuff. Not sure if the sound is really going to be what you expect. Just do some research I guess.

    I always hate dealing with people who say 'make offer' because they typically have overestimated values in their head and get offended when you make a real world offer.

    For example, when buying more than one piece, the package price should always be discounted significantly from individual prices. Some sellers just don't see this. Also, local Criagslist pricing should be significantly lower than Audiogon or Ebay due to lack of fees and convenience. Again, some sellers just don't see this.

    FWIW, Ebay prices on that Accuphase gear is probably $600-$800 combined, not incl shipping.

    Good luck with it.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,492
    edited June 2010
    billbillw wrote: »
    Accuphase is typically very high end stuff, but that gear is very old (early 70's) and if it has never been serviced/restored, it might need significant $$ to get them into something that I would use daily. Just beware of that.

    Additionally, that is very early solid state stuff. Not sure if the sound is really going to be what you expect. Just do some research I guess.

    These are both really good points. One on my favorite amps I'd love to revisit someday is the Nakamichi Stasis amps (licensed from Threshold) but I know even if I buy a nice example they were built in the early 80's and I would need it serviced. For that reason I tend to stay away unless I find a stupid silly good deal.

    Early SS stuff is hit and miss and if it doesn't have any sort of history as far as service, then I'd definitely beware.

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | Roon Nucleus 1 w/LPS - Tubes add soul!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 7,735
    edited June 2010
    I might also suggest that Pycroft have a look at some of the current threads regarding the C-200 preamp over at AK:
    http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=288101
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited June 2010
    Accuphase is good stuff. Made in Japan and is considered the higher end gear. If the prices are fair and all works fine then go for it. I've seen it out here and listened to it and will say it sounds very good.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Pycroft
    Pycroft Posts: 1,961
    edited June 2010
    Any comments on the Dual 1229 turntable? If I don't get the accuphase stuff it is okay because I have a pre and amp, but I am borrowing a turntable. The owner says it is missing the dust cover, but that is it. I will contact him regarding any work done on the other stuff and keep everyone posted. Thanks for the comments so far!

    James
    2 Channel/HT:
    Sony SS-M9 P's (ES version)
    Sony SS-M1CN Center Channel
    Polk RT800 Surround Speakers
    Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono Amplifiers
    TAD 150 Signature Tube Preamp
    Harman Kardon HK354
    Sony SACD Player
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,978
    edited June 2010
    heiney9 wrote: »
    These are both really good points. One on my favorite amps I'd love to revisit someday is the Nakamichi Stasis amps (licensed from Threshold) but I know even if I buy a nice example they were built in the early 80's and I would need it serviced. For that reason I tend to stay away unless I find a stupid silly good deal.

    Early SS stuff is hit and miss and if it doesn't have any sort of history as far as service, then I'd definitely beware.

    H9

    Funny that you mention the PA-7's. These were THE amp back in the day IMHO, as they carry some serious pedigree(Nelson Pass) and the iconic name of Nakamichi. These amps were made when Nakamichi was considered among the very best stuff on planet earth, and I can attest to the awesome sound these amps produced. If you are open to other considerations, The PA-7 mkII should be a shortlist contender.:)
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2800 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon MiND2 Shunyata Triton

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson

    How many flies need to be buzzing a dead horse before you guys stop beating it?
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,492
    edited June 2010
    nooshinjohn wrote: »
    If you are open to other considerations, The PA-7 mkII should be a shortlist contender.:)

    I agree, except many sellers ask a very high price for the MKII versions close to $1200 in most cases. You can buy an Aleph 30 for that (if you can find one) and it's 10X the amp the PA7 MKII is. :)
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | Roon Nucleus 1 w/LPS - Tubes add soul!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter